Methods and apparatus for encouraging wakefulness of a driver using biometric parameters measured using a wearable monitor

ABSTRACT

In a first aspect, a method is provided for determining a level of wakefulness of a driver of a vehicle using a mobile telephone. The method includes (a) employing a wearable monitor to detect a biometric parameter of a user while the user is driving a vehicle; (b) communicating biometric parameter information from the wearable monitor to a mobile telephone of the user while the user is driving the vehicle; (c) employing the mobile telephone to obtain a level of wakefulness of the user while the user is driving the vehicle, the level of wakefulness of the user being determined based on biometric parameter information received from the wearable monitor; and (d) if the level of wakefulness determined for the user is below a predetermined level of wakefulness, employing the mobile telephone to attempt to increase the level of wakefulness of the user. Numerous other aspects are provided.

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/297,123 filed Jun. 5, 2014, and entitled“METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CHANGING MOBILE TELEPHONE OPERATION MODEBASED ON VEHICLE OPERATION STATUS”, which is a continuation of andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/768,167 filedJun. 25, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,781,568, and entitled “SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR HEART RATE MONITORING, DATA TRANSMISSION, AND USE”, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/805,726 filed Jun. 23, 2006 and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORHEART RATE MONITORING, DATA TRANSMISSION, AND USE”, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/805,838, filed Jun. 26, 2006 and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HEART RATE MONITORING, DATA TRANSMISSION, ANDUSE”. Each of the above applications is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to use of feedback from heart ratemonitors, and more particularly to systems and methods for heart ratemonitoring, data transmission, and use.

BACKGROUND

Portable heart rate (HR) monitoring devices are commonly used in fitnessrelated activities for weight loss, goal HR training, and general HRmonitoring. Additionally, HR monitors (HRMS) may sometimes be employedby healthcare professionals for chronic and/or acute heart conditionmonitoring and/or diagnosis. Some HRMS include a chest strap whichsenses, receives and/or detects signals from a user's heart.

Portable HR monitoring devices typically are expensive, and in somecases are cost prohibitive for many consumers. A need exists forinexpensive and/or simplified HR monitoring systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a heart rate monitoring system isprovided that includes (1) a heart rate monitor adapted to wirelesslytransmit a signal indicative of a heart rate of a user; and (2) a userdevice adapted to receive the signal from the heart rate monitor,process the signal, and determine sleep information for the user fromthe heart rate.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method of monitoring a driver isprovided that includes (1) determining a heart rate of the driver; (2)determining whether the driver's heart rate is within a predeterminedrange; (3) prompting driver feedback if the driver's heart rate is notwithin the predetermined range; and (4) determining if driver feedbackis received.

In a third aspect of the invention, a method of reducing functionalityof a cellular telephone is provided that includes (1) determining if avehicle is parked; and (2) if the vehicle is not parked, sending arestricting signal to the cellular telephone that restricts which callsmay be made or received by the cellular telephone. Numerous otheraspects are provided.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following detailed description, the appendedclaims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wireless network in accordance with someaspects of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a flow diagram of a method of monitoring a driver's responsein a vehicle with a wireless device in accordance with some aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 2B is a flow diagram of a method of encouraging wakefulness inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a flow diagram of a method of encouraging wakefulness inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of restricting use of a wirelessdevice in a vehicle in accordance with some aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment ofthe invention showing a system for controlling power delivery to anappliance using heart rate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Portable heart rate (HR) monitoring devices are commonly used in fitnessrelated activities for weight loss, goal HR training, and general HRmonitoring. Additionally, HR monitors (HRMS) may sometimes be employedby healthcare professionals for chronic and/or acute heart conditionmonitoring and/or diagnosis. Some HRMS include a chest and/or wriststrap which senses, receives and/or detects signals from or motion of auser's heart and transmits a representative signal to a receiver whichdisplays and/or records the user's HR.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, a HRM is modified toincorporate Bluetooth™ or a similar technology. The HRM may be “paired”with any of a number of devices such as a PDA, cellular telephone or thelike. For example, an existing HRM may be modified to include aBluetooth™ transmitter and/or may be retrofitted by attachment of aBluetooth™ transmitter external to the HRM. Additionally, a HRM may beconstructed with a Bluetooth™ or similar transmitter incorporated into awrist strap, a chest strap, or the like. Similarly, other short-range,low-power communications technologies and other communicationstransmission formats may be employed.

Bluetooth™ Heart Rate Monitoring

According to some embodiments of the present invention, use of aBluetooth™ enabled HRM in an interactive network 100 is shown in FIG. 1.The network 100 may include a user 102, who may wear a Bluetooth™enabled HRM 104 (e.g., a chest strap, a wrist strap, etc.). The HRM 104is capable of wirelessly transmitting a signal to a user device 106(e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, alaptop or personal computer, or the like).

In some embodiments, the user device 106 may be capable of transmittinga signal (based on the signal received from the HRM 104) to aninterested party 108 such as a doctor, an emergency medical service, apolice or fire department, an insurance company or the like.Additionally, the user device 106 may also be capable of transmitting asignal to an alarm system 110 or may itself generate an alarm (asdescribed below). In the same or alternative embodiments, the HRM 104may be capable of transmitting signals directly to the interested party108 and/or alarm system 110. Other devices and/or parties may beincluded in or operatively coupled to the network 100 (e.g., roomlighting, tracking software, personal computers, etc.).

In one or more embodiments, the HRM 104 may be any Bluetooth™ enabledHRM as discussed generally above. Other communications protocols and/orsystems may alternatively or additionally be used.

User device 106 may be any device that is capable of supportingBluetooth™ or similar technology. For example, the user device may be acellular telephone, a web-enabled device such as a web-enabled cellulartelephone or PDA, a portable web browser, a cellular or web-enabledwrist watch, a headset, ear piece, a microphone, a speaker, alarm clock,web-enabled or otherwise portable gaming device, a portable or desk topcomputer, an automobile, or any other suitable device. In someembodiments, the user device 106 may be capable of receiving,transmitting, storing, compiling, logging, tabulating, and/or analyzingHR and/or health-related information received from HRM 104.

The interested party 108 may be any person or entity to be alerted of acondition of the user 102. For example, the interested party 108 may bea parent, caretaker, family member, doctor, nurse, emergency service(e.g., 911), insurance company or the like and/or the user 102. In someembodiments, the interested party 108 may be a personal computer, Webserver, tracking network, etc. Such embodiments may be employed, forexample, for research, information logging, and/or when the user 102 isnot expected to require immediate assistance.

The alarm system 110 may be a conventional alarm type clock which isBluetooth™ or otherwise wirelessly enabled. Alternatively, the alarmsystem 110 may be part of the user device 106, a cell phone, a PDA, acomputer, etc. As with the HRM 104, the alarm system 110 may be acurrent commercially available product modified for use in the presentsystem or may be a new device designed and constructed for use in thenetwork 100. The alarm system 110 may include an alarm clock, lightingadjusters (e.g., dimmers), audio output (e.g., radio or CD player),and/or other devices which may be used for waking up the user 102. Thealarm 110 may be further adapted to monitor, analyze and/or recordinformation received from the HRM 104 and/or the user device 106. Insome embodiments, the alarm system 110 may not include a clock.

In operation, it may be desirable to track the HR of a user 102 duringsleep and/or other periods of reduced activity. For example, it may bedesirable to monitor the HR of an infant, elderly person, person with aheart condition, or someone who may be prone to sleep apnea or anycardio/pulmonary disorder or condition. This may be especially usefulduring sleep or when a caretaker cannot be with the user 102.

In some embodiments, the HRM 104 may send a signal indicative of theuser 102's HR to the user device 106 continuously, intermittently, or ata predetermined interval. In other embodiments, the HRM 104 may onlysend a signal to the user device 106 when the HR of the user 102detected by the HRM 104 drops below a certain predetermined level (orexceeds a predetermined level).

When a low, inconsistent, or no HR signal is received at the user device106, the wireless device 106 may initiate contact with the interestedparty 108. In one example, this may be employed when a user 102 with aheart condition lives alone. When the HRM 104 determines there is no, aninconsistent, or a low HR, the HRM 104 may send a signal to the userdevice 106 (e.g., a cellular phone) which calls/dials 911. The userdevice 106 may be equipped to transmit a prerecorded message to a 911dispatcher or another interested party (e.g., including the identity ofthe user 102, the location of the user 102, medical, current conditionand/or history information about the user 102, etc.). Additionally oralternatively, the user device 106 may transmit HR information to the911 dispatcher or another interested party. The above information may betransmitted to any relevant party (e.g., a caregiver, a doctor, familymember, a nurse, a fire department, a police department, etc.).

In another example, the HRM 104 may be worn by an infant user 102. Whena HR signal is detected that indicates a HR below a threshold value, theHRM 104 and/or the user device 106 may transmit an alarm signal to aparent in another room and/or may transmit an alarm signal to activatean alarm system 110 to alert the parent. For example, the alarm signalmay be transmitted to a PDA, a cellular telephone, a land line, a homeor other alarm system, etc.

The network 100 may also be employed to monitor sleep patterns forresearch, for fitness tracking, for health concerns, to enablechronobiologic sleep, or for other similar reasons. For example, tofacilitate chronobiologic sleep, the HRM 104 may transmit HR informationto the user device 106 continuously or at predetermined intervals. Theuser device 106 may receive the HR information and generate an alarm(e.g., at the user device 106 and/or by sending a signal to the alarmsystem 110) when a predetermined HR level or series of levels isachieved. For example, a user 102 may plan to sleep for a certain numberof sleep cycles (e.g., for approximately a certain amount of time).Progressing through a sleep cycle may be detected by changes in HRmonitored by the HRM 104. When the user device 106 receives HRinformation from the HRM 104, it may analyze and/or process the HRinformation to determine the stage of sleep. When the appropriate HR isreached (e.g., the proper point in the sleep cycle), the user device 106may wake the user 102 (e.g., such as by generating an alarm, sending asignal to the alarm 110, etc.). For example, the alarm 110 may be adimmer attached to a bedside lamp. The dimmer may slowly brighten thelamp to correspond to the sleep cycle (e.g., HR) and wake the user 102.In the same or other embodiments, audio feedback may be used. In someembodiments, sound and/or light may be adjusted to induce and/ormaintain sleep. For instance, if the measured HR exceeds the expected HRfor a certain stage in the sleep cycle, the user device 106 may send asignal to the alarm 110 and cause the alarm 110 (e.g., a radio) to playlow and soothing music to ease the user 102 back into sleep.Alternatively, the user device 106 may directly play low and/or soothingmusic (e.g., in an MP3 player embodiment of the user device 106). Also,the level of sound and/or light may be adjusted to correspond to HR asthe user 102 falls asleep, thus acting to help cause sleep and/or alsoserving as a timer to turn off unused appliances.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, the sleep patterns of theuser 102 may be monitored using the HRM 104. For example, the HRM 104may measure the HR of the user 102 each evening when the user 102sleeps. HR information may be communicated from the HRM 104 to the userdevice 106 (or any other device), compiled and/or analyzed to determinehow restful or complete each evenings sleep was. Variables such as roomtemperature, clothing worn by the user, type or number of blankets orsheets employed, dietary habits, etc., may be stored, analyzed and/orcorrelated with sleep. Sleep patterns may be compared for differentnights of a week, month, etc. Additionally, conditions such as sleepapnea, reflux, seizures, etc., may be identified (e.g., based on hearrate variations).

In some embodiments, the user device 106 may track sleep or sleepdeprivation, and provide feedback to the user 102 regarding how best toimprove or obtain the optimal amount of sleep. For example, if the userdevice 106 is a PDA, cellular phone or similar device, the user device106 may automatically remind the user to start getting ready for bedearlier in the evening (e.g., via a calendar or alarm).

In the same or other embodiments, the user device 106 may monitor thestress level of the user 102 (e.g., based on HR). For example, if the HRof the user 102 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the user device 106may sound an alarm, or otherwise notify the user 102 of the condition.The user device 106 may attempt to calm the user 102 (e.g., by playingrelaxing music, playing a pre-recorded relaxing message, etc.). In someembodiments, a graph of HR may be displayed on the user device 106. Forinstance, current HR may be displayed relative to an “ideal” HR for theuser 102 so that the user 102 may visually observe his/her stress level.

In one particular embodiment, the user device 106 may be a cellulartelephone or PDA that monitors the stress level of the user 102 (e.g.,daily). The user device 106 may identify “patterns” of stress, such ascertain times of the day or activities that appear to cause the user 102stress. In this manner, the user 102 may be able to break cycles ofstress and/or choose less stressful activities during historicallystressful time periods.

In some embodiments, the HR patterns of two or more people may becompared and/or analyzed. For example, a user 102 may provide HR patterninformation (e.g., recorded by the user device 106) to the user deviceof another person. In one exemplary embodiment, the HR patterns of ahusband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend, parent/child, etc., may be monitoredduring a discussion or therapy session and used as an aid to identifywhat topics, situations and/or the like create stress or agitation ineach party.

Likewise, HR patterns may be used to determine compatibility betweenpeople. For example, a Web-based dating cite may compare typical orexemplary HR patterns of potential dating candidates, such as duringsimilar situations and/or experiences, to determine compatibility (e.g.,“low” stress candidates may be compatible, as may be “high” stresscandidates). Likewise, an employer may wish to assign employees to aworking group with similar HR patterns/stress levels, or provide a mixof high and low stress employees.

In some embodiments, the HRM 104 may be paired with a user device 106such as for example, a clock radio or wireless phone. The HRM 104 mayinclude a controller (not shown) adapted to detect a medical conditionor medical event/episode (e.g., a heartbeat pattern indicative offailure to breathe associated with sleep apnea, choking, heart attack,seizure, intoxication, etc.) In response to detecting such a pattern,the controller in the HRM 104 may send a signal to the user device 106to, for example, wake the user 102 or a caregiver. For example, usingsound, light, electric shock, etc. The controller may record suchmedical events/episodes so that a medical condition may be diagnosedand/or treated. In some embodiments, the user device 106 may include thecontroller or an additional controller adapted to identify the medicalevent HR pattern. In addition, other types of monitors (e.g., breathingmonitors, body/chest motion sensors, urine or moisture sensors, bodyposition sensors, blood flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) may beused to identify patterns associated with medical and otherevents/episodes. For example, an HR pattern detected by the HRM 104 anda chest motion pattern detected by a chest motion sensor thatindividually or together indicate the user 102 is asleep and notbreathing may be used by the controller to identify a sleep apneaepisode. Once the sleep apnea episode is identified, the controller mayinitiate attempts to wake the user 102, for example, by playing loudmusic or shocking the user 102 via the user device 106 or with a smallelectric charge administered via contacts, e.g., on the HRM 104. Thecontroller may continue attempts to wake the user 102 until an HRpattern corresponding to an awake condition is detected. In someembodiments, the attempts to wake may escalate in terms of severity(e.g. louder volume, brighter light, higher voltage shocks) until anawake/breathing condition is detected.

HR Use in Vehicles

First Exemplary Embodiment

It may be desirable to monitor the HR of a vehicle driver. Similar to HRmonitoring during sleep as described above, a Bluetooth™ enabled orsimilar HR monitor may be used to encourage or help maintain wakefulnesswhile driving. This may be useful for those with heart conditions,driving at night, and/or for long-haul drivers such as truck drivers.

FIG. 2A is a flow diagram of a method 200 of monitoring a driver'sresponse in a vehicle with a HR monitor such as a Bluetooth™ enabled HRmonitor. The method 200 may be employed, for example, in Bluetooth™enabled vehicles, such as certain Acura models manufactured by AmericanHonda Motor Co. Inc. of Torrance, Calif., or by using a retrofit system,such as UConnect available from DaimlerChrysler Corporation of AuburnHills, Mich. These systems may enable communication between the user'swireless HRM and the vehicle via Bluetooth™ or other wireless protocols(although a hardwired system also may be used). Alternatively, the HRMmay communicate with another device (e.g., a cellular phone, a PDA, aportable web browser, etc.) that may or may not in turn communicate withthe vehicle.

The method 200 starts at step 202. In step 204, the HRM initiatescommunication with the vehicle (e.g., establishes a Bluetooth™connection) either directly or through another device (e.g., a cellulartelephone, a PDA, etc.).

In step 206, the HRM checks the driver's HR. If the driver's HR iswithin an acceptable range for the driver, the method returns to step206 to recheck the driver's HR. A driver's HR may be checkedcontinuously, randomly or at any predetermined interval. Too low of a HRmay indicate that the driver is about to fall asleep or is too relaxedto respond to current driving conditions (e.g., bad weather such asrain, snow sleet, etc.). Likewise, too high of a HR may indicate thatthe driver is too stressed to respond to current driving conditions(e.g., bad weather such as rain, snow, sleet, etc., stressful situationssuch as crowded driving, a traffic jam, etc.). A high stress level(e.g., rapid heart rate) may indicate that the driver is experiencinganxiety, road rage, etc., and as described below, the vehicle or anotherdevice may attempt to calm the driver down with pre-recorded messages,relaxing music, chants, spiritual quotations, etc. Similarly, when thedriver's HR is too low, the vehicle or another device may attempt torouse the driver into a more wakeful state (e.g., by playing load music,honking the car's horn, etc). In extreme stress or low HR situations,another party may be notified (e.g., a family member, the police, etc.,such as via a cellular telephone) or the vehicle may take correctiveaction (e.g., braking, slowing down, stopping, limiting acceleration orspeed, etc.).

The acceptable range of the driver's HR may be determined based onvarious additional factors for example, the time of day, traffic orweather conditions, current road speed, drive time, driver experience,driver health, driver weight, body mass index, age, medical history,etc.

In some embodiments, the driver's HR is checked more frequently as itapproaches the upper and lower limits of an acceptable HR range. Asstated, an acceptable HR range may include, in some embodiments, a lowerrange which is indicative of a relaxed wakefulness state (e.g., a nearsleep condition). Entry into this lower range may initiate a responsecheck in step 208. Also, if the HR is outside of the acceptable rangefor the driver, a warning, alarm or the like may be sounded to alert thedriver or another interested party (as described below).

In step 208, a response check is initiated. For example, the vehicle mayprompt the driver (e.g., via a voice command issued through thevehicle's stereo or navigation system) to respond in a manner thatindicates the alertness level of the driver. In some embodiments, thedriver may be directed to adjust radio volume, verbally reply, sing asong, turn on a turn signal, flash the vehicle's headlights, depress aseries of buttons on a control panel, and/or any other appropriateaction. In one or more embodiments, the driver's response may be timedto determine if the driver is sufficiently alert. (Note that anappropriate level of alertness may vary based on driving conditions,time of day, etc.). In some embodiments, the response check may causethe vehicle's stereo volume to increase significantly and/or cause thevehicle's horn to sound (e.g., to ensure that the driver is alert enoughto participate in the response check). The driver's HR may then berechecked to determine if the auditory stimulus was sufficient, and theauditory or other stimulus repeated if necessary.

In step 210, the driver's response is checked. If the driver's responseindicates alertness, the method passes back to step 206, wheremonitoring of the driver's HR resumes. In some embodiments, monitoringresumes at a more frequent rate after a response check has beeninitiated. (Note that in some embodiments, a driver's response may bechecked at predetermined intervals without regard for HR.) If thedriver's response is not sufficient in step 210, the method passes tostep 212.

In step 212, when an insufficiency is determined in the driver'sresponse at step 210, an emergency procedure may be implemented. Forexample, a family member and/or an emergency service such the policeand/or fire department may be contacted (e.g., via a cellular telephoneor other communications service including, for example, using avehicle's on-board communication system, such as OnStar™ by GM,manufactured by OnStar of Detroit, Mich.). In some embodiments, theemergency procedure may include turning on some or all lights in thevehicle, sounding the vehicle's horn, turning up the volume of thevehicle's stereo, turning on the vehicle's hazard signals, slowing thevehicle down, etc.).

The method ends at step 214.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Similar to HR monitoring during sleep as described above, a Bluetooth™enabled or similar HR monitor may be used to encourage wakefulness whiledriving via use of a wireless device (e.g., a cellular telephone, PDA,MP3 player or the like). This may be useful for those with heartconditions, driving at night, and/or for long-haul drivers such as truckdrivers.

FIG. 2B is a flow diagram of a method 220 of encouraging wakefulness inaccordance with the present invention. The method 220 may be employed,for example, to encourage wakefulness in a vehicle such as a truck, car,airplane, etc., or whenever a person wants to remain awake. Forconvenience, the method 220 is described with reference to a driver,although a similar method may be used to encourage wakefulness of anyperson in any venue.

The method 220 starts at step 222. In step 224, the wireless HRMinitiates communication (e.g., establishes a Bluetooth™ connection) witha user device (e.g., a cellular telephone, a PDA, an MP3 player, etc.).

In step 226, the HRM and/or user device checks the driver's HR. If thedriver's HR is within an acceptable range for the driver, the methodreturns to step 226 to recheck the driver's HR. A driver's HR may bechecked continuously, randomly or at any predetermined interval. Too lowof a HR may indicate that the driver is about to fall asleep or is toorelaxed to respond to current driving conditions (e.g., bad weather suchas rain, snow sleet, etc.). Likewise, too high of a HR may indicate thatthe driver is too stressed to respond to current driving conditions(e.g., bad weather such as rain, snow, sleet, etc., stressful situationssuch as crowded driving, a traffic jam, etc.). A high stress level(e.g., rapid heart rate) may indicate that the driver is experiencinganxiety, road rage, etc., and as described below, the user device(and/or the vehicle) may attempt to calm the driver down withpre-recorded messages, relaxing music, chants, spiritual quotations,etc. Similarly, when the driver's HR is too low, the user device (and/orthe vehicle) may attempt to rouse the driver into a more wakeful state(e.g., by ringing, playing load music, honking the car's horn, or makinganother audible sound, by vibrating, etc). In extreme stress or low HRsituations, another party may be notified (e.g., a family member, thepolice, etc., such as via a cellular telephone) or the vehicle may takecorrective action (e.g., braking, slowing down, stopping, limitingacceleration, etc.).

In some embodiments, the driver's HR is checked more frequently as itapproaches the upper and lower limits of an acceptable HR range. Asstated, an acceptable HR range may include, in some embodiments, a lowerrange which is indicative of a relaxed wakefulness state (e.g., a nearsleep condition). Entry into this lower range may initiate a responsecheck in step 228. Also, if the HR is outside of the acceptable rangefor the driver, a warning, alarm or the like may be sounded to alert thedriver or another interested party (as described below).

In step 228, a response check is initiated. For example, the user device(and/or the vehicle) may prompt the driver to respond in a manner thatindicates the alertness level of the driver. In some embodiments, thedriver may be directed to press a button on the user device, adjust userdevice and/or vehicle radio volume, verbally reply, turn on a turnsignal, flash the vehicle's headlights, depress a series of buttons onthe user device and/or a control panel of the vehicle, and/or any otherappropriate action. In one or more embodiments, the driver's responsemay be timed to determine if the driver is sufficiently alert. (Notethat an appropriate level of alertness may vary based on drivingconditions, time of day, etc.). In some embodiments, the response checkmay cause the user device's volume (e.g., an MP3 player, cellulartelephone, etc.) or vehicle's stereo volume to increase significantlyand/or cause the user device to sound an alarm and/or the vehicle's hornto sound (e.g., to ensure that the driver is alert enough to participatein the response check). The driver's HR may then be rechecked todetermine if the auditory stimulus was sufficient, and the auditory orother stimulus repeated if necessary.

In step 230, the driver's response is checked. If the driver's responseindicates alertness (or a not-to-stressed level), the method passes backto step 226, where monitoring of the driver's HR resumes. In someembodiments, monitoring resumes at a more frequent rate after a responsecheck has been initiated. (Note that in some embodiments, a driver'sresponse may be checked at predetermined intervals without regard forHR.) If the driver's response is not sufficient, the method passes tostep 232.

In step 232, when an insufficiency is determined in the driver'sresponse at step 230, an emergency procedure may be implemented. Forexample, a family member and/or an emergency service such the policeand/or fire department may be contacted (e.g., via a cellular telephoneor other communications service including, for example, using avehicle's on-board communication system, such as OnStar™ by GM,manufactured by OnStar of Detroit, Mich.). In some embodiments, theemergency procedure may include turning up the volume of the user device(e.g., in an MP3 player, cellular telephone or similar embodiment),sounding an audible alarm, turning on some or all lights in the vehicle,sounding the vehicle's horn, turning up the volume of the vehicle'sstereo, turning on the vehicle's hazard signals, slowing the vehicledown, etc.

The method ends at step 234.

FIG. 2C is a flow diagram of a method 240 of encouraging wakefulness inaccordance with the present invention. The method 240 of maintainingwakefulness of a driver of a vehicle using a cellular telephone and awrist-worn heart rate monitor includes providing a wrist-worn heart ratemonitor having a wrist strap and a heart rate monitor including a sensoradapted to sense a heart rate of a user and a transmitter adapted towirelessly transmit a signal indicative of heart rate of the user (242).The method 240 also includes employing the wrist-worn heart rate monitorto measure a heart rate of a user while the user is driving a vehicle(244). Next, heart rate information is communicated from the wrist-wornheart rate monitor to a cellular telephone of the user while the user isdriving the vehicle, the wrist-worn heart rate monitor and cellulartelephone paired to communicate and form a portablecommunicatively-coupled system that is at least configured to operatephysically and electrically separate from the vehicle (246). Then thecellular telephone can be employed to determine when the user's heartrate is within an acceptable range for the user while the user isdriving the vehicle, the acceptable range being based on being above alevel that would indicate the user is about to fall asleep (248). Inresponse to the user's heart rate being outside the acceptable range,the cellular telephone is employed to attempt to alter the user's heartrate while the user is driving by instructing the user to perform anactivity specifically-selected so as to alter the user's wakefulness orby prompting the user to respond in a manner that indicates an alertnesslevel of the user (250). The frequency of determining whether the user'sheart rate is within the acceptable range is increased when the user'sheart rate is close to an end of the acceptable range (252).

Restricting Device Use

Certain electronic devices, such as Bluetooth™ enabled cellulartelephones, may interact with a vehicle and/or may be integrated with avehicle system. For example, a Bluetooth™ cellular telephone maycommunicate with some vehicles to create a hands-free telephone (e.g.,through use of the vehicle's audio system). In some vehicles, a user mayoperate the cellular telephone via voice commands and/or by pushingcertain buttons on a vehicle's steering wheel and/or dashboard. Thesesystems may improve the ability of a driver to concentrate on roadconditions, but do not entirely eliminate distractions associated withcellular telephones (e.g., dialing numbers, hanging up a call, answeringa call, checking voice mail messages, etc). The distraction of cellulartelephone use, even in hands-free versions, may significantly reduce theability of a driver to safely operate a vehicle, especially in the caseof inexperienced drivers.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of restricting use of a wirelessdevice, such as a cellular telephone, in a vehicle. The method begins atstep 302.

In step 304, a user of a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone,approaches and/or enters a vehicle. Assuming the wireless device and thevehicle are powered on, communication between the wireless device andvehicle is established and/or enabled. For example, a wirelesscommunication channel may be established between the wireless device andthe vehicle, such as a Bluetooth™ connection and/or a Bluetooth™pairing. In many cases, the wireless device (e.g., cellular telephone)may be on as the driver enters the vehicle, and establishment ofcommunication between the wireless device and vehicle may occurautomatically. In some cases, the engine of the vehicle need not berunning to establish communication between the wireless device andvehicle (e.g., if the audio and/or other systems of the vehicle havepower).

Note that the vehicle may establish contact with the wireless device byhaving the vehicle issue a signal to all wireless devices in itsproximity. In some embodiments, the vehicle may scan and detect certainwireless devices (e.g., the devices of certain drivers) and/or may beencoded to communicate only with specific wireless devices.

In step 306, the driver starts the vehicle if it is not already running.

After the vehicle establishes contact with the wireless device and/or isrunning, in step 308, a check is performed to determine if the vehicleis parked (e.g., in park, in neutral, not moving, etc.). In someembodiments, the wireless device operates normally (e.g., with full callin/call out, web browsing, etc., functionality) when the vehicle isparked or otherwise stationary. For example, full functionality of thewireless device may only be enabled when the vehicle is parked orstationary (as described below). The parked or stationary status of thevehicle may be continuously, periodically or randomly monitored todetermine whether the vehicle is in motion.

Assuming the vehicle is shifted out of park or neutral or otherwiseengaged for motion, the method 300 proceeds to step 310. In step 310,functionality of the wireless device is limited. For example, thevehicle may issue a restricting signal to the wireless device. Therestricting signal may cause the wireless device to operate in arestricted mode while the vehicle is moving, shifted out of park orneutral, etc. When the wireless device is a cellular telephone, in someembodiments, the restricted mode of operation for the wireless devicewill not allow any incoming or outgoing calls. In other embodiments,certain telephone calls may be placed and/or received while in arestricted mode of operation. For example, a cellular telephone may beallowed to call only certain telephone numbers such as emergencyservices numbers (e.g., 911), parent or guardian numbers, etc. In oneexemplary embodiment, a parent or other interested party may programwhich telephone numbers are acceptable for a driver to call or be calledby (e.g., so as to prevent a teenage driver from using the wirelessdevice while driving, except for emergencies). Such programming may beperformed using features of the vehicle (e.g., via a user interface suchas a navigation screen) and/or by using features of the wireless device.

After the wireless device is switched into a restricted mode ofoperation (step 310), the “parked” status of the vehicle may bemonitored (step 308) to determine if the vehicle has stopped, beenparked, etc. While the vehicle is in motion, the wireless device mayremain in a restricted mode of operation. In some embodiments, once thevehicle is stopped and/or parked, the vehicle may issue a releasingsignal (step 312) that returns the wireless device to full functionality(or to an increased level of functionality). The method may then proceedto step 308 to recheck the “parked” status of the vehicle.

In at least one embodiment, it may be desirable to allow a driver orpassenger to override the restricted mode of operation of a wirelessdevice. For example, in an emergency, even while a vehicle is in motion,it may be necessary for a driver or passenger to place a telephone call.In some embodiments, such an “override” condition may be communicatedautomatically to a third party (e.g., parent, an emergency service,etc.)

Cellular telephone access may be similarly limited on subways orairplanes, in hospitals, movie theaters, restaurants, etc., through useof “restricting” signals that place a cellular telephone in a restrictedmode of operation (e.g., allow calls only to emergency services, forexample). In the case of Bluetooth™, the process of limiting wirelessdevice functionality may be referred to as “Bluetooth™ disabling”, orthe wireless device may said to be “Bluetooth™ disabled”.

The functionality of other wireless devices may be similarly limited.For example, use of a laptop computer, portable music player (e.g.,MP3), portable gaming device, etc. may be similarly limited orprohibited in certain venues (e.g., airplanes, airports, hospitals,etc.).

One technique for implementing restricted calling in a vehicle is toassociate a restricted call list with the vehicle. For example, if thevehicle is adapted to allow hands free communication with a cellulartelephone, the vehicle may be programmed with a list of “acceptable”telephone numbers, and only calls placed to or received by thosetelephone numbers will be routed through the vehicle (e.g., thevehicle's audio system). However, such an implementation may not preventa user from simply using a cellular telephone without the vehicle'saudio system, and requires programming of every relevant vehicle. Inanother embodiment, a cellular phone is programmed to operate in arestricted mode upon receipt of one or more signals from a vehicle (asdescribed above). Such an embodiment allows multiple vehicles toinitiate the restricted mode of operation, as well as other venues(e.g., hospitals, restaurants, airplanes, etc.).

The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of theinvention; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methodswhich fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, although discussedprimarily with regard to Bluetooth™ technology, it is understood thatsignals may be sent to and from the HRM, wireless device, and/or otherdevices via other means, such as Short Message Service, IEEE 802.11b(WiFi), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), WiMax, etc.

Additionally, while the present invention has primarily been describedwith reference to a single user, it will be understood that theinvention is equally applicable to multiple user situations. Forinstance, a nurse or home health care provider may serve as aninterested party to multiple users, such as in a nursing home. In thisway, multiple users may connect multiple HR monitors to eithercollective or individual wireless devices which may relay information tothe nurse or other interested party.

In some embodiments, a HRM may communicate HR information to a portablemusic player, such as an MP3 player. For example, a HRM may wirelesslytransmit data to an iPod available from Apple Computer, Inc. ofCupertino, Calif. The MP3 player may be programmed to perform any of theabove described methods, including assisting a user in monitoring,analyzing and/or improving sleep (e.g., by playing relaxing music atappropriate times and/or sleep cycles). Such a device may be referred toas an “iNod”.

As stated, in some embodiments, HR monitoring may be used to encouragesleep or encourage wakefulness. In at least one embodiment, a cellulartelephone, a PDA, an MP3 player or the like may receiving a HR signal(wirelessly or through a hardwired connection), and encourage eithersleep or wakefulness by employing the HR signal. Such a device and/ormethod may be, for example, referred to as “Nodsense”. A cellulartelephone, PDA, MP3 player, etc., may (e.g., be programmed to) operatein both modes. For example, a user may employ an MP3 player while in bedto monitor HR and encourage sleep, and employ the MP3 player while in avehicle to monitor HR and encourage wakefulness. A cellular telephone,PDA, etc., may be similarly employed. Likewise, these device may befurther configured to (e.g., programmed to) monitor stress levels (aspreviously described), and/or to count calories taken in and/or burnedduring a day.

A cellular phone hardwired to a vehicle may be also disabled (asdescribed above).

In some embodiments, the HRs of employees may be monitored (e.g., viacompany supplied PDAs, cellular phones, etc., using wireless or otherHRMS). Stress level, sleepiness level, exercise level, etc., may bemonitored and/or used to improve employee productivity (e.g., byencouraging employees to rest, take a nap, relax, exercise more during awork day by taking the stairs, etc. if the received HRs indicate a needfor the same).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment ofthe invention showing a system 400 for controlling power delivery to anappliance using heart rate. With reference to FIG. 4, the system 400includes a HRM 402 or other sensor such as a heat flux sensor, agalvanic response sensor, etc., having a transmitter 404 adapted totransmit heart rate or other information to a user device 406 (e.g., acellular telephone, PDA, laptop or desktop computer, etc.). The userdevice 406 is adapted to receive the information transmitted from theHRM or other sensor 402, process the information and use the informationto control power delivery to an appliance. For example, as shown in FIG.4, the user device 406 is adapted to communicate with a power deliveryunit 408 (via a receiver 410), which controls power delivery to a lamp412. The power delivery unit 408 may be capable of turning the lamp 412on or off, and/or dimming the lamp 412 based on commands sent by thepower deliver unit 408. Additional or other appliances may be similarlycontrolled such as televisions, radios, or the like. In someembodiments, the HRM or other sensor 402, user device 406 and powercontrol unit 408 may communicate using Bluetooth™ or another wirelessprotocol. For instance, the transmitter 404 may be a Bluetooth™transmitter, the user device 406 may be a Bluetooth™ capable cellularphone, PDA or computer, and/or the receiver 410 may be a Bluetooth™receiver.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the HRM 402 may monitor the heartrate of a user (e.g., via a wrist or chest strap), and transmit HRinformation to the user device 406. The user device 406 may examine theHR information and determine whether the user's HR is above a firstpredetermined value, and if so, allow the power control unit 408 todeliver electrical power to the lamp 412 (e.g., by sending theappropriate command, or sending no command). As the user relaxes, ormeditates, the user's HR will slow down. After the user's HR drops belowthe first predetermined value, the user device 406 may transmit acommand to the power control unit 408 instructing the power control unit408 to either reduce the amount of power to the lamp 412, thus dimmingthe lamp 412, or stop delivering power to the lamp 412 (turning the lamp412 off). Assuming the user device 406 only instructs the power controlunit 408 to dim the lamp 412 as the user's HR drops below the firstpredetermined value, the user device 406 may instruct the power controlunit 408 to further decrease power delivery to the lamp 412 as theuser's HR decreases below additional lower threshold or HR values. Inthis manner, the user may control the amount of light delivered from thelamp 412 by controlling his/her heart rate (or another similar bodyfunction). The volume, channel and/or on/off state of a radio, TV, MP3player, stereo or the like may be similarly controlled. As a furtherexample, HR may be used to arm or disarm a house alarm.

In some embodiments, the HR or other sensor 402 may communicate directlywith and/or control the power control unit 408. The user device 406 maybe programmable, allowing a user to set HR thresholds, identify and/orselect which appliances to control, etc. A user may set goals for HR tobe reduced (e.g., turn off appliance, enable video game, enablepurchased, etc.).

In some embodiments the present invention includes an HRM 104 adapted tomonitor intentional changes in a user's HR and to allow the user 102 touse the intentional HR changes to wirelessly control user devices 106without making any apparent or even perceptible motions or sounds. Forexample, a user 102 may concentrate on relaxing his body tointentionally slow his HR or the user 102 may concentrate on tensing hisbody to intentionally raise his HR. The user device 106 may be adaptedto be controlled by the changes in the user's HR. For example, a userdevice 106 that includes a remote control for a television may beadapted to transmit a “channel up” signal, e.g., to a television whenthe HRM 104 signals that the user 102 has raised his HR by apredetermined incremental amount, e.g., 5 beats per minute, or over aspecific threshold, e.g., >85 beats per minute. Likewise, the userdevice 106 that includes a remote control for a television may beadapted to transmit a “channel down” signal to a television when the HRM104 signals that the user 102 has lowered his HR by a predeterminedincremental amount, e.g., 5 beats per minute, or under a specific level,e.g., <80 beats per minute. In some embodiments, the user device 106 mayinclude a user interface adapted to display HR information and providethe user feedback to make it easier for the user to control the user'sHR. Further, the user interface may include an array of control optionsfrom which the user 102 may select a desired control function. Thecontrol options may be arranged so that the user 102 may move aselection indicator sequentially among the array of control options byincreasing his HR and then he may select an option by decreasing his HRwhile the desired control option is selected. It may be difficult for auser 102 to precisely control his HR to an absolute level. However, thepresent invention facilitates an accurate degree of control by allowingthe user to control devices based on relatively small incrementalchanges and/or based on HR directional change patterns, e.g., up 3 BPM,down 5 BPM, up 3 BPM.

While the present invention has been described primarily with referenceto HR and HRMS, it will be understood that other body parameters may bemeasured and similarly used such as heat flow, galvanic skin response,etc. In at least one embodiment, a SenseWear® armband or Bodybugg™,available from BodyMedia, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., may be modified andemployed to deliver information to a user device in accordance with thepresent invention.

In some embodiments, the user device (e.g., such as a cellulartelephone) may determine a sleep/awake state of a user based on signalsfrom a heart rate monitor. The user device then may determine whether todirect an incoming call to voice mail based on the sleep/awake state ofa user.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with the preferred embodiments thereof, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of maintaining wakefulness of adriver of a vehicle using a cellular telephone and a wrist-worn heartrate monitor, comprising: providing a wrist-worn heart rate monitorhaving a wrist strap and a heart rate monitor including a sensor adaptedto sense a heart rate of a user, and further including a transmitteradapted to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of heart rate of theuser; employing the wrist-worn heart rate monitor to measure a heartrate of a user while the user is driving a vehicle; communicating heartrate information from the wrist-worn heart rate monitor to the cellulartelephone of the user while the user is driving the vehicle, thewrist-worn heart rate monitor and the cellular telephone paired tocommunicate and form a portable communicatively-coupled system that isat least configured to operate physically and electrically separate fromthe vehicle, and configured to monitor the wakefulness of the user whilethe user is driving the vehicle; employing the cellular telephone todetermine when the user's heart rate is within an acceptable range forthe user while the user is driving the vehicle, the acceptable rangebeing based on being above a level that would indicate the user is aboutto fall asleep; in response to the user's heart rate being outside theacceptable range, employing the cellular telephone to attempt to alterthe user's heart rate while the user is driving by prompting the user torespond in a manner that indicates an alertness level of the user; andincreasing a frequency of determining whether the user's heart rate iswithin the acceptable range when the user's heart rate is close to anend of the acceptable range.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the user'sheart rate is raised by the cellular telephone using sound in responseto the user's heart rate being below the acceptable range.
 3. The methodof claim 1 wherein the acceptable range depends on time of day.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the acceptable range depends on trafficconditions.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the acceptable rangedepends on weather conditions.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein theacceptable range depends on current vehicle speed.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the acceptable range depends on health of the user. 8.The method of claim 1 wherein the acceptable range depends on age of theuser.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the acceptable range depends onmedical history of the user.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein theacceptable range is based on being above a level that indicates the useris about to fall asleep and below a level that indicates the user isexperiencing stress, and further comprising increasing a frequency ofdetermining whether the user's heart rate is within the acceptable rangein response to the user's heart rate being close to either end of theacceptable range.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein employing thecellular telephone to attempt to alter the user's heart rate while theuser is driving includes directing the user to perform a task.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the task includes at least one of adjustingradio volume, activating a turn signal and depressing a button.
 13. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the task includes at least one of replyingand pushing a button.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprisingdetermining an alertness level of the user based on a time taken by theuser to perform the task.
 15. The method of claim 11 further comprising:employing the cellular telephone to determine if the user performed thetask; and if the user failed to perform the task, employing the cellulartelephone to perform an emergency procedure.
 16. The method of claim 15wherein the emergency procedure includes notifying a third party. 17.The method of claim 15 wherein the emergency procedure includesadjusting operation of the vehicle.
 18. A system, comprising: awrist-worn heart rate monitor including a sensor configured to sense aheart rate of a user, and further including and a transmitter configuredto wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of heart rate of the user,wherein the wrist-worn heart rate monitor is configured to measure theheart rate of the user while the user is driving a vehicle and furtherconfigured to communicate heart rate information; and a cellulartelephone configured to receive the heart rate information from thewrist-worn heart rate monitor while the user is driving the vehicle, thewrist-worn heart rate monitor and the cellular telephone paired tocommunicate and form a communicatively-coupled portable system that isat least configured to operate physically and electrically separate fromthe vehicle, and configured to monitor wakefulness of the user while theuser is driving the vehicle, the cellular telephone including computerprogram code stored therein that, when executed by the cellulartelephone, causes the cellular telephone to: determine when the user'sheart rate is within an acceptable range for the user while the user isdriving the vehicle, the acceptable range being based on being above alevel that indicates the user is about to fall asleep; in response to adetermination that the user's heart rate is outside the acceptablerange, attempt to alter the user's heart rate while the user is drivingby prompting the user to respond in a manner that indicates an alertnesslevel of the user; and increase a frequency of determining when theuser's heart rate is within the acceptable range when the user's heartrate is close to an end of the acceptable range.
 19. The system of claim18, wherein the computer program code stored in the cellular telephone,when executed by the cellular telephone, further causes the cellulartelephone to attempt to alter the user's heart rate while the user isdriving by directing the user to perform a task.
 20. The system of claim19, wherein the computer program code stored in the cellular telephone,when executed by the cellular telephone, further causes the cellulartelephone to: determine whether the user performed the task; and if theuser failed to perform the task, perform an emergency procedure.
 21. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the acceptable range is based on being abovea level that indicates the user is about to fall asleep, and below alevel that indicates the user is experiencing stress.